In early April 2015, Afghanistan announced its declaration of support for Saudi Arabia’s bombing of Houthi rebel forces – a sect reportedly backed by Iran – in Yemen. But because of the internal divide between President Ghani and the government’s Chief Executive Officer Abdullah Abdullah, Afghanistan subsequently retracted its support. There are historical, religious and economic reasons that explain why Afghanistan has been fostering closer relations with Saudi Arabia. However, backing the Saudis’ foreign interventions indubitably could alienate Iran.

The second part of our selection of ideas expressed on twitter by the participants of London Conference is referring to hot issues of the today international system, as UK role in the world, crisis in the South China Sea and Middle East, Russia’s imperial assertiveness, Minsk agreements and its shortcomings, the future of EU, challenges for Europe, Pax Americana (is US in retreat?), China’s rise, etc. There were ideas expressed during the first day of the Chatham House Conference in London (June 1-2, 2015).

Chatham House reunion has been attended by high politicians and famous experts. According to the site of that reunion developed in London between June 1-2 , 2015 , “The international system and its institutions look increasingly unable to deal with the political, technological and societal challenges of the 21st century. Globalization is increasing state-to-state competition, politically as well as economically. A changing geopolitical context, defined in part by rising powers and emerging threats, is forcing a reassessment of priorities and approaches in diplomacy and international security.

Within the context of numerous violations of Minsk II agreement and rumors/predictions of resuming fighting in the Eastern Ukraine, the Center for Cultural Relations - Caucasian House, one of the leading Georgian NGO, organized between 18-24 May, 2015, in Batumi, the Annual University on Conflicts and Development. It was highlighted how the annexation of Crimea has diminished the strategic importance of Abkhazia for Russia; the differences between the “national projects” of Abkhazia and South Ossetia and how these projects have impacted their recent treaties “on alliance and strategic partnership (of Abkhazia)/ integration (of South Ossetia)” with Russian Federation.